ok I have 2 rims. One is a 32h stiff 'deep V' rim and one is a 36 h track non-aero track rim. Which would be better to use as a rear rim for durabilites sake? or is it the same?

deep V is stiffer and more durable but 36h > 32h

I'm no authority, but I tend to think that you'd be better off using the 32h Deep V. As long as both rims are equally as straight and round, the added depth and strength of the deep v will be more durable, and 32 holes is PLENTY for that rim.

-Jeremy

do you already have a hub? if so, whichever matches th hole count on the hub. otherwise x2 to ^^

My experience is that nothing is more durable than having more spokes, even if the rim is deeper. The difference from 36 spokes to 32 is more than anyone expects, and the difference from 32 to 28 or 24 is absurd. For your particular case, however, it probably will not make much difference in practice. The problem is that while the deep V may be more likely to stay round, it will be about the same or less tough laterally, depending on the shape differences of the rim walls. I'd say it's a toss-up.

ok so i decided to put the deep v in the back... it is windy here today and i realized how much it would suck having a front wheel with deep v's in a strong cross wind.

You're overthinking it. Deep V's arent' that deep.

Panniers are far worse in a cross wind than anything but a full disc wheel.

Technically the 36 hole rim would be stronger and it should go on the rear, the more aero wheel should be on the front anyways since the seat tube cuts most of the air that would hit the rear whereas the front has nothing to stop it. And the cross wind effect would be nil since the deep V probably isn't that substantial. There has been some experiments done that with certain cross winds a deep V rim can act like a sail and actually help you not hinder you, but I think the test was done on very deep rims.

During my years of riding I've flat spoted two semi deep V rims (mashed the rim flanges down). One was no surprise since I knew I hit the thing that did it and for the other I have no idea what the heck happened but I apparently hit something that mashed the rim down so there was a noticable flat spot. During that same time I have never did similar damage to any simple box section rim or shallower D shaped rim. I THINK this is because the flatter profiles are more flexible so they don't support well enough to actually mash down the rims when they hit something they shouldn't. But that's just my own personal opinion. So I tend to stick with the simpler, and lighter box sections. Lighter? You'd best believe it. Check the specs. Deep V's are typically quite a bit heavier. That's fine for a racer at a steady fast speed for long consistent periods where aerodynamics counts for more than acceleration. But in the real world of city streets and frequent stops and starts a lighter box section is my preference. And if they are more durable then so much the better.

hmm i have heard the opposite...since posting... quoted

In this situation, I dont think it really matters.

A deeper front wheel will always be a than a shallow front. The front breaks the wind first. An 808 front, 404 rear will be faster than a 404 front, 808 rear. But there are obvious handling issues if the winds are strong and your can't control it. On the other hand, if you can ride an 808 front, you can most definitely ride an 808, 1080, or disc rear. The rear end doesn't affect handling so you can go pretty deep without much impact on your handling. So the speed improvement of 404 -> 808 is far greater in the front than in the rear. I doubt you will notice much of an aerodynamic difference in the rear.

Not when you're comparing a 32h deep v against a non "aero" rim. e.g box section. That deep v will blow it away in terms of strength thanks to the deep triangular section. I've see deep v's with broken spokes that were *hardly* out of true. It's not a toss up. The deep v is stronger end of story.

I completely agree.

my deep v put a hole in the side of a car when I hit it, and it only had 18 spokes. I still ride the wheel.

awesome -- that testimonial deserves to be on the velocity site

You sort of contradict yourself in this statement. The rear end does affect your handling but not as immediately and not as drastically as the front wheel. A rear wheel skid won't send you down to the ground in a split second (unlike most front wheel skids) but it will cause the bike to slide around under you. The same outcome can be expected when comparing crosswind affects on front and rear wheels.

Try this for more info: https://bikehugger.com/2007/03/aero-wheels.html

Try this for more info: https://bikehugger.com/2007/03/aero-wheels.html